Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Get ready for the easiest, juiciest, most crave-worthy BBQ chicken you’ll ever make! This Crockpot BBQ Chicken is absolutely packed with bold smoky barbecue flavor and melts in your mouth with every bite.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and almost zero hands-on time, you’ll have tender, saucy pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or straight from the bowl. It’s a true weeknight hero and always a hit for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

Inspired by lazy summer cookouts and my love for set-it-and-forget-it dinners, this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing — and nobody will believe how easy it was to make!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Set-and-forget simplicity: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work — perfect for busy days!
• Insanely tender and juicy: The chicken cooks low and slow, soaking up all that sweet-and-smoky BBQ flavor.
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Serve it on buns, over rice, stuffed in baked potatoes, or alongside your favorite sides.
• Meal-prep friendly: Makes a generous batch and reheats beautifully for easy lunches and leftovers.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

These are the backbone of this recipe, soaking up all the delicious BBQ sauce as they cook. Go for fresh or thawed chicken breasts for best texture. If you prefer, boneless thighs add extra richness and stay ultra-juicy.

Your Favorite BBQ Sauce

This is where all the sweet, tangy, smoky flavor comes from! Use a high-quality store-bought sauce you love or your favorite homemade version. Want it spicy? Choose a sauce with a kick. Prefer smoky? Go with a hickory or mesquite blend.

Onion

A diced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce as it simmers. Yellow or white onions both work well. For a milder flavor, use sweet onions, or skip if you’re sensitive to alliums.

Garlic

Fresh garlic cloves give the finished dish an irresistible aroma. Mince them finely or use pre-minced garlic for convenience. Garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.

Smoked Paprika

This spice brings gentle heat and a wonderful smoky undertone, enhancing the BBQ flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a dash of chipotle powder works too.

Instructions for Crockpot BBQ Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Ingredients

Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Measure out your BBQ sauce and seasonings. This simple prep makes the recipe come together in minutes!

Layer Everything in the Crockpot

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic over the top. Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using). Pour the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar over everything.

Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking low and slow helps the flavors meld and the chicken stay ultra-juicy.

Shred the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate or bowl and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and toss it well in the sauce. Let it soak for another 10-15 minutes on warm for maximum flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Crockpot BBQ Chicken piled onto buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides. Spoon on extra sauce and garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love some heat? Add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to kick things up a notch. You can also stir in chipotle peppers in adobo for smoky, fiery flavor.

Use Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to breasts. They’re extra juicy and flavorful, and won’t dry out if you let them cook a little longer.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Simply double-check that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free and dairy-free, and this recipe will suit both dietary needs with zero changes.

Make It Pulled BBQ Sandwiches

Pile the saucy chicken on toasted buns with crunchy coleslaw for classic BBQ sandwiches. It’s messy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Sweet and Tangy Twist

For a sweeter flavor, add a splash of pineapple juice or a spoonful of honey to the crockpot before cooking. This brightens up the sauce and pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken on toasted brioche buns with pickles and creamy coleslaw for the ultimate pulled BBQ sandwiches. It’s also fantastic over fluffy white rice, tucked into baked sweet potatoes, or wrapped in tortillas with fresh veggies. For sides, try classic potato salad, baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in zip-top bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot BBQ Chicken (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Add an extra hour to the cook time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Q: What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
A: The easiest way is with two forks right in the crockpot. For an extra speedy option, use a hand mixer on low speed.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken a day in advance. Reheat gently before serving and add a little extra BBQ sauce if needed.

There you have it — an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing Crockpot BBQ Chicken that deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation! Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments or by leaving a rating. I know you’ll love it as much as we do!